Rev. Fr. Robert Kajoh, a Catholic priest of the Missionary Society of St. Paul, has called on electoral officials, voters and other stakeholders to reject inducements and uphold integrity in the conduct of the 2027 general elections.
Kajoh made the appeal in Abuja during activities marking his 25th anniversary of priestly ordination, organised by St. Anselm Chaplaincy, Gwagwalada.
The priest served as chaplain of the community for 11 years before his transfer to St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Parish in Humble, Texas, United States, in January.
He warned Nigerians against allowing money or material benefits to influence their decisions during elections, noting that sacrificing the country’s future for personal gain could have lasting consequences for generations to come.
According to him, the benefits of electoral inducements are temporary, while the damage caused by compromising the democratic process could affect the nation for many years.
Kajoh urged Nigerians to be content with what they have and remain committed to their values, stressing that personal sacrifices made in the interest of the common good would help secure a better future for their children and grandchildren.
He also called for greater honesty, accountability and integrity in public life, arguing that Nigeria could experience significant transformation if even 20 per cent of its population consistently chose to do what was right.
“My hope is that election workers, as men and women of faith, will do the right thing, refuse to compromise or sell their conscience for money or material things, which are transient,” he said.
He added that electoral officials who performed their duties honestly and rejected inducements would protect their integrity while trusting God to provide for their needs.
“No sacrifice is too great to secure a better future for our children and grandchildren. No amount of money is worth compromising our destiny,” he said.
The priest encouraged Nigerians to trust in God, remain satisfied with what they have and believe that their honest efforts would yield positive results.
Reflecting on his 25 years in the priesthood, Kajoh expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve God and humanity, saying his experience had shown him that his calling had made a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Speaking at the celebration, the Chaplain of St. Anselm Chaplaincy, Rev. Fr. Tony Bassey, described Kajoh as an intelligent, humble, sociable, hardworking and compassionate priest who valued teamwork and carried people along.
Bassey urged Nigerian leaders at all levels to learn from these qualities, stressing the need for leadership that listens to the people, understands their challenges and works towards addressing them.
He said the country needed leaders who could relate to the suffering of ordinary Nigerians and respond to their needs with compassion rather than remain detached from their struggles.
Bassey also emphasised the importance of sound judgment and independent thinking, saying public office holders should be capable of analysing issues and developing practical solutions instead of relying on others to make decisions for them.
He further called on leaders to embrace prayer and righteousness, urging them to work for the country’s progress rather than engage in activities that undermine its development.
The Vice-Chairman of the St. Anselm Chaplaincy Pastoral Council, Mr Joseph Eneji, said Kajoh left behind a vibrant religious community built on prayer, spiritual growth and revival programmes.
Eneji noted that the priest had established initiatives and institutions that strengthened worship and devotion, while helping members develop their faith and overcome personal challenges through prayer.
He described Kajoh as a mentor who had positively influenced many people both spiritually and physically, adding that his 11-year service to the chaplaincy made the celebration of his 25th priestly anniversary well deserved.
According to him, Kajoh’s contributions brought significant changes to the community and helped build a committed congregation.
